Natalie Putt was 'murdered' say police as inquest opens
Missing teenager Natalie Putt was murdered, say police, as an inquest opened 15 years after her disappearance.
Police say their investigation has taken officers across the country - but has failed to find proof she is still alive.
The 17-year-old left her home in Thornleigh, Lower Gornal, on September 1, 2003, to go to the shops but never returned home.
She left behind her baby Rhys, who was just 11-weeks-old at the time.
Her body has never been found, despite West Midlands Police constantly reviewing the case - including opening a murder investigation in recent years.
Black Country Coroner's Court opened an inquest on Wednesday.
Speaking at the hearing, senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Ian Iliffe, said: “Her partner at the time was interviewed on numerous occasions.
"There were other people, including family members, that were also interviewed at the time to throw some light on her disappearance.
“A number of reviews have taken place over the years.
"In 2015 a further review was conducted by my team - I was appointed to investigate her disappearance and I was asked as a result to investigate it as a murder investigation.
“We have conducted searches in various locations to try and find her. Sadly we have not found her.
“Our enquiries have led us across the country to try and prove whether she is alive or not.
"As a result we have not found any proof of her being alive.
"Based on all the information we have - she was 17 years-old at the time with a child, and no reason for her to go missing.
"The conclusion we reach, on the balance of probabilities, that she had been subject to murder.”
Senior coroner Zafar Siddique said he had received a request earlier this year from West Midlands Police to open an inquest.
He said: “We will try to piece together the information we have and evidence available to understand what happened to Natalie.
"We might not be able to have a clear answer to those questions.
"Hopefully we should reach some conclusion on the evidence I call.”
Natalie’s father David Putt and half-sister Rebecca Coggins were present at the short hearing on Wednesday.
Mr Siddique adjourned the hearing for a full inquest, which is due to take place in mid-January on a date to be confirmed.
A search was carried out last year of Ellowes Hall Wood, in Lower Gornal, after 'further credible information' was received.
